Meet Your UC Merced Student Staff

Student Tour Guide Lead, Team Captain

Kayla McCoy
She / Her

Hometown: Paradise, CA

Major: Civil Engineering

Minor: Political Science

Year: 4th

Hello Everybody! My name is Kayla, and I am a first-generation 4th-year civil engineering student with a minor in political science. I have been a tour guide since my freshman year and am so excited to serve as captain of the team this year. I'm originally from a small mountain town in NorCal called Paradise. I chose UC Merced because I plan to go into research after I graduate, and UC Merced offers so many opportunities to get involved with research, organizations, and professors! I've loved my experience here and the campus community, and I can't wait to welcome you to our incredible school!

Student Tour Guide Lead, Recruitment & Training

Emely Villalba Macedo
She / Her

Hometown: Arleta, CA

Major: Political Science

Minor: Economics

Year: 3rd

I'm Emely Villalba Macedo, a third-year year majoring in Political Science with a minor in Economics. I am from Arleta in the San Fernando Valley, where I graduated from John H. Francis Polytechnic High School. I'm one of the Leads for Training and Recruitment, and I look forward to supporting my peers as they may need it next year. Currently, I serve as the Vice President of Marketing for the Professional Fraternity Council and am an active member of Phi Alpha Delta, a Pre-Law Fraternity on campus.

Student Tour Guide Lead, Recruitment & Training

Michaell Guerra
He / Him

Hometown: San Fernando, CA

Major: Civil Engineering

Year: 4th

Hi! I'm Michaell Guerra, a fourth-year student majoring in Civil Engineering. I graduated from Birmingham Community Charter High School. I chose UC Merced because it' far enough to help me embrace independence and start building my own life. I can't wait to share all the things I love about UC Merced with you, and I'm excited to be your next tour guide!

Student Tour Guide Lead, Logistics & Special Events

Jasmine Junior
She / Her

Hometown: Redlands, CA

Major: Management and Business Economics

Year: 4th

Hi, I'm Jasmine! I'm a fourth year majoring in Management and Business Economics. I come from a small town in the Inland Empire called Redlands, where I graduated from Redlands High School. Here at UC Merced, I'm part of a social sorority, Kappa Kappa Gamma. I chose this university to embrace a life beyond the city and to connect more with nature.

Student Tour Guide Lead, Social Media and Engagement

Rubi Chaidez
She / Her

Hometown: Compton, CA

Major: Sociology with emphasis in Justice, Law, & Society

Year: 3rd

Hi everyone! I'm Rubi, a first-generation, third-year Sociology major with an emphasis on Justice, Law & Society from Compton, California. I enjoy reading and spending time with family and friends. I aspire to pursue a PhD to become an Immigration Lawyer. I chose UC Merced because of its welcoming community and the many opportunities available to us as students.

Calvin Kaneshiro
He / Him

Hometown: San Jose, CA

Major: Psychology

Year: 3rd

Hello! I'm Calvin Kaneshiro, a third-year Psychology major from San Jose, CA. On campus, I serve as the President of the Vietnamese Student Association. I chose UC Merced because I appreciate the vibrant community and diversity here. I look forward to seeing everyone at UC Merced!

Cianna Garibaldi
She / Her

Hometown: Gilroy, CA

Major: Bioengineering

Year: 4th

Hello everyone! My name is Cianna Garibaldi, and I'm a fourth-year student majoring in Bioengineering with an emphasis in Biotechnology. I'm from Gilroy, California where I attended Gilroy High School. On campus, I am a member of the professional fraternity Theta Tau and Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES). I have also worked in a couple research labs at UCM. On my free time, I love to hang out with my friends, hike, cook and bake, and read. I chose UC Merced for the close community and the opportunities they had to offer. I hope you enjoy your visit at UC Merced!

CJ Oderinde
He / Him

Hometown: Dublin, CA

Major: Health Psychology

Year: 4th

Hi! I'm CJ Oderinde, a fourth-year psychology major on a pre-med track. I'm originally from Dublin in the Bay Area. I'm passionate about sports, whether it's playing, watching, or just chatting about them! On campus, I serve as the Internal Vice President of ASUCM, and I'm also the president of a pre-med club called Diversified Doctors. I am a research assistant on campus through the LATCH Lab. In addition to being a tour guide, I work as an athletic training student assistant. A fun fact about me: I'm a Certified EMT! I chose UC Merced for the diverse opportunities it provides to all students, no matter their background.

Clarissa Gomez
She / Her

Hometown: San Jose, CA

Major: Human Biology

Minor: Spanish

Year: 3rd

Hola! My name is Clarissa Gomez! I am a third-year Biology major with an emphasis in Human Bio and a minor in Spanish. I am from San Jose, CA. During my time here, I have joined a club called Diversified Doctors, where I obtained resources and support to guide me through my pre-med track. For fun, I love to spend quality time with my friends and family, as well as going to the gym! Can't wait to meet y'all!

Daniel Cervantes
He / Him

Hometown: Livingston, CA

Major: Management and Business Economics

Year: 2nd

Hello, my name is Daniel Cervantes and I am a second year majoring in Management and Business Economics. I am from Livingston California where I attended Livingston High School. On Campus I am involved in The Business Society. I chose UC Merced because of the financial aid they offered me and because I wanted to stay close to home.

Daniel Le
He / Him

Hometown: San Jose, CA

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Year: 5th

My name is Daniel Le, and I'm a fifth-year student majoring in Mechanical Engineering. I'm from the Bay Area, specifically San Jose, CA. On campus, I'm active in the Vietnamese Student Association (VSA), and I enjoy playing in the intramural Volleyball and Ultimate Frisbee programs. I chose UC Merced for its proximity to home and the financial aid it offered. I also chose to come to UC Merced to be in an environment where I can learn to develop my independent skills, such as time management, budgeting, etc. It's because most times students come home to a warm dinner or don't have to worry about paying rent, so I didn't want to take that for granted.

Diana Cervantes
She / Her

Hometown: Livingston, CA

Major: Human Biology

Year: 3rd

My name is Diana Cervantes, and I'm a third-year student majoring in Biological Sciences with an emphasis on Human Biology. I'm from Livingston, CA, where I attended Livingston High School. On campus, I am the VP of Isight Club and participate in undergraduate research. I chose UC Merced for its abundant resources and the chance to be part of its growing community. I look forward to showing you everything I enjoy about UC Merced!

Eureka Cook
She / Her

Hometown: Orange County, CA

Major: Cognitive Science

Year: 5th

Hello, my name is Eureka Cook, and I'm a fifth-year Cognitive Science major. I originally was a Computer Science major, but I started to enjoy the combination of coding and psychology/neuroscience. I'm from Orange County, but my family moved to Kentucky. I chose UC Merced because it had a lot of opportunities where I can grow mentally and professionally, but also because they are known for its strong knit communities. On campus, I am involved in CSSA (Cognitive Science Student Association). I'm excited to start this new chapter!!

Ivan Aguilar
He / Him

Hometown: Windsor Hills, CA

Major: Management and Business Economics

Year: 2nd

Hello! My name is Ivan Aguilar, and I'm a second-year student majoring in Management, Business, and Economics. I'm originally from Culver City, Los Angeles. I chose UC Merced for its beautiful campus and programs. On campus, I'm actively involved in 180 Degrees Consulting, where I serve as the Director of Marketing. In my free time, I like to bike, play lacrosse, fish, and hike. I'm excited to share my experience at UC Merced with you all.

Janelle Garcia
She / Her

Hometown: Rialto, CA

Major: Human Biology

Minor: Education

Year: 3rd

Hi :) I'm Janelle Garcia. I'm a third-year student majoring in Human Biology with a minor in Natural Science Education and working towards a teaching credential. I'm originally from Rialto, CA, but I grew up in the Los Angeles, California area and attended Eisenhower High School. I chose UC Merced because of its supportive environment, which feels like a home away from home, with plenty of resources and staff who helped me navigate my time here at UC Merced.

Kaylin Cardoso
She / Her

Hometown: Atwater, CA

Major: Psychology and Sociology (Double Major)

Year: 3rd

Hi! My name is Kaylin Cardoso, and I am a third-year Psychology and Sociology double major. I am originally from Atwater, CA, a small town about 20 minutes out from Merced. During my time here, I have held positions in various organizations, including Delta Gamma Sorority and NAMI on Campus. Research has also become a huge part of my time here on campus, where I have actively participated in developmental psychology research labs. I chose to attend UC Merced because it has so many great opportunities so close to home. I've made so many lasting friendships and connections through UC Merced, and I hope to help you do the same as your tour guide!

Kevin Pedroza
He / Him

Hometown: La Puente, CA

Major: English and Political Science (Double Major)

Year: 3rd

Hi, my name is Kevin Pedroza, and I am a third-year with a double major in English and Political Science. I am from a town in SoCal La Puente. I speak a second language which is Spanish. I am an athlete on campus where I am a member of the Men's Cross Country and Track team. Throughout my years at UC Merced I have gained valuable lessons and skills both in my personal and professional life. My hobbies during my free time is hanging out with my teammates and watching my sports teams play. I am happy to express the blessings UC Merced has given me throughout these past years to future Bobcats.

Matthew Velasco
He / Him

Hometown: Newport Beach, CA

Major: Public Health

Year: 4th

Hello! My name is Matthew Velasco, a fourth year student pursing a degree in Public Health. My hometown is Newport Beach and I went to high school at Sunny Hills High School. Some of my hobbies are playing the piano, tennis, and listening to music. In the future I want to pursue Health Administration, which UC Merced is a great university to discover more about my passion!

Miles Moreau
He / Him

Hometown: Cerritos, CA

Major: Political Science & Management and Business Economics (Double Major)

Year: 2nd

Hello! My name is Miles Moreau, and I am a second-year student majoring in Political Science and Management & Business Economics. I am originally from Cerritos in Orange County. Currently at UC Merced, I am the President of Middle Ground as well as Campus Compass, a brand new club to welcome freshmen to Merced! I am also in the student body government as the Chief of Staff to the ASUCM President. Lastly, I am working on a California Senate Campaign for CA District 4. I chose UC Merced because it's far but close to home, full of new opportunities in the valley, and a welcoming environment for new students to the university!

Sajun Nappoly
He / Him

Hometown: Irvine, CA

Major: Human Biology

Year: 4th

My name is Sajun Nappoly and I'm a fourth year student majoring in Human Biology. I aspire to pursue a career in sports medicine/PT as well as to continue research in biochemistry. On campus, I'm involved in our martial arts club, as well as a perform with the Bobcat Band as a singer and pianist. In my free time I love to workout, hoop, and play video games. Excited to welcome future bobcats onto our campus!

Timothy Le
He / Him

Hometown: Elk Grove, CA

Major: Bioengineering

Year: 4th

Hi! My name is Timothy Le, and I'm a 4th-year Bioengineering major with an emphasis in Bioinstrumentation. I'm from Elk Grove, CA, which is about 2 hours from Merced. Some of my campus involvements are that I'm an active member in the Vietnamese Student Association (VSA), where I am also the co-founder and coordinator of the lion dance team. I am also the vice president of the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) student chapter at UC Merced, and I also participate in undergraduate research here on campus. I decided to choose UC Merced because it wasn't too far from home, and it has strong financial aid, as well as a feeling like a very welcoming community with lots of opportunities. Since attending, I have grown a lot in social and life skills. In my free time, I typically like hanging out with friends or playing video games.

Tyler Roman
He / Him

Hometown: Lodi, CA

Major: Computer Science and Engineering

Year: 4th

Hi! I'm Tyler Roman, a fourth-year majoring in Computer Science and Engineering. I'm from Lodi, CA, and graduated from Lodi High School. On campus, I'm involved in Greek Life as a chairman of the Sigma Chi International Fraternity, and I also participate in NSU, MercedInMotion. I chose UC Merced seeking a fresh start, and my first impressions of the campus truly captivated me. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed by the many people and tour guides, which gave me a sense of home. I was excited to see the opportunities for involvement and the friendly atmosphere. Plus, UC Merced's growing community is exactly the environment I wanted to be part of. I knew right away that this was the perfect fit for me. I look forward to being your tour guide soon!

Viviann Coronado
She / Them

Hometown: San Diego, CA

Major: Global Arts Studies Program

Year: 3rd

Hello! I'm Viviann Coronado, and I'm in the Global Arts Studies program. I'm from Logan Heights, CA, and I graduated from San Diego High School. On campus, I'm involved with the Young Artist Movement and am currently in the process of starting up a Graffiti Club! I chose UC Merced because of the beautiful campus, and the diverse community between students and staff made me feel at home. I'm excited to be your tour guide!

Winston Pham
He / Him

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

Major: Management and Business Economics

Year: 4th

Hello! My name is Winston Pham, and I'm a fourth-year student majoring in Management and Business Economics. I'm from Torrance and graduated from West Torrance High School. On campus, I'm involved with the Vietnamese Student Association. I chose UC Merced because I wanted to explore a new city and experience an area I hadn't visited before. The programs here align perfectly with my career goals after college.

Yesenia Perez
She / They

Hometown: Ontario, CA

Major: Human Bology

Year: 3rd

Hello! I'm Yesenia Perez, a 3rd year majoring in Human Biology. I grew up in Ontario, CA, and attended Ontario High School. In addition to being a Student Tour Guide, I'm involved with the Campus Activities Board, Calteach, & College Corps. I chose UC Merced because, from the moment I first visited during Spotlight at UC Merced, everything felt right. I had the chance to understand my financial aid package with an advisor, talk to ambassadors about campus life, and explore the many opportunities available for biology students. I can't wait to be your tour guide during your visit to UC Merced!

Zachenka Gomez Alva
She / Her

Hometown: Fresno, CA

Major: Human Biology

Minor: Management and Business Economics

Year: 2nd

Hi, my name is Zachenka Gomez, and I'm a Human Biology major here at UC Merced. I picked UC Merced because I loved the area and the open and green space. On campus, I'm involved in student organizations like CAB, the Bobcat Boxing Club, the cooking club, and Radiant Minds, and I enjoy building community through leadership and mentorship opportunities. I've also gained experience working as a teacher assistant and volunteering in healthcare settings, which has strengthened my communication and people skills. As a campus tour guide, I'm excited to share my experiences and help future Bobcats feel welcome and at home at UC Merced.